The 6th Global Fintech Fest (GFF) began today at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, bringing together global leaders, innovators and policymakers to shape the future of the financial technology sector.
The three-day event, being held from 7 to 9 October, is themed “Empowering Finance for a Better World Powered by AI”. It aims to explore how artificial intelligence can drive innovation, strengthen inclusion and enable sustainable growth in finance.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the event and highlighted India’s emergence as a global leader in digital finance and innovation. She said that the fintech ecosystem in the country is an example of how technology can be used to deliver financial inclusion at scale.
Organised by the Payments Council of India (PCI), National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Fintech Convergence Council (FCC), the event has drawn participation from central banks, regulators, startups, investors and financial institutions from across the world.
Focus on innovation and inclusion
This year’s fest features panel discussions, product launches and hackathons on digital payments, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, green finance and regulatory reforms. More than 600 exhibitors from leading Indian and international fintech companies are showcasing their innovations.
A special highlight of the event is the launch of DigiTathya, a new QR-based authentication platform aimed at improving digital security and preventing online fraud. The platform has been developed as part of India’s effort to strengthen trust in digital transactions.
The Global Fintech Awards 2025 will also be presented during the event to recognise outstanding contributions and leadership in the fintech industry.
Global participation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are expected to deliver virtual addresses on the closing day, emphasising the growing India–UK collaboration in fintech and digital infrastructure. Delegates from over 30 countries, including Singapore, the United States, Japan and the United Arab Emirates, are attending the summit.
Senior representatives from the Reserve Bank of India, the Securities and Exchange Board of India and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology are also taking part in discussions to chart the future course of digital financial governance.
Managing the scale
Authorities have issued traffic advisories for the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) area, anticipating congestion due to the large number of delegates and visitors. The organisers have deployed special arrangements for parking, shuttle services and security coordination.
The event is expected to serve as a platform for launching new partnerships and fostering dialogue between regulators and industry leaders. It also highlights India’s achievements in building digital public infrastructure, such as the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Aadhaar-enabled services, which have transformed access to financial systems globally.
Observers say the Global Fintech Fest 2025 demonstrates India’s growing influence in the global financial technology landscape. With its mix of innovation, regulation and international collaboration, the event is poised to shape new directions for the fintech ecosystem in the years ahead.
